Each cluster of containers is called a Deliveroo Edition, while the containers themselves are called Rooboxes. A Deliveroo Editions site will contain six or seven Rooboxes.

One site in Camberwell may close because neighbours have complained about the noise of Deliveroo delivery drivers turning up on mopeds, and because the site doesn't have planning permission. Brighton and Hove council is similarly investigating a pop-kitchen in Hove, while Haringey council said it hadn't received a planning application for Deliveroo's site in Hornsey, north London.

According to The Guardian, Southwark councillor Mark Williams said: "The council is concerned by Deliveroo's use of the Valmar Road trading estate as their kitchen pods are close to people's homes, are clearly disturbing the residents and they didn't apply for the necessary planning permission.

"We have served a planning enforcement notice that requires Deliveroo to stop preparing and delivering food from the site. We encourage them to work with us and listen to local residents so that we can find a long-term solution."

Camberwell residents sent a letter to Southwark council in May, after the Rooboxes arrived.

They wrote: "For several weeks now, the new kitchens, have been operating from between approximately 5.30pm and midnight every evening, and from about midday at weekends. During these hours there is a constant stream of Deliveroo motorbikes driving at speed into and out of the estate. This considerable increase in the volume of traffic is highly disruptive throughout the street [...]."

Southwark residents wrote to complain about the new Rooboxes. Southwark council

They complained that more motorbikes were a risk to people's safety, and that Deliveroo riders were "loitering" and sitting on residents' walls.

Inside a Roobox kitchen. Business Insider/James Cook

Deliveroo launched its Rooboxes in April this year with partners like Busaba EatThai and Franco Manca. CEO Will Shu said he wanted Rooboxes in 30 sites by the end of 2017.

The company has got temporary permission for seven Roobox kitchens in Tower Hamlets, according to the report.

A Deliveroo spokesman told Business Insider: "Deliveroo takes all complaints extremely seriously, which is why we work closely with local councillors and residents to improve our operations, cut noise and ensure rider respect residential areas. We have taken action when issues have been raised, and will continue to do whatever we can to address any concerns."

Rooboxes are important to Deliveroo's growth

Deliveroo's most recent results show that it is running on a razor-thin margin of around 0.8%. Clearly, the company will need to become considerably more efficient if it's to justify its recent £1.5 billion valuation.

Currently, it costs restaurants a lot of money to run their high street locations, and that cost is passed onto consumers, whether they dine in-house or order takeaway. Deliveroo is trying to reduce that burden through the cheaper, portable Rooboxes — that's why it's fronting all the capital for the sites. If restaurants begin producing takeaway food more cheaply, then they can reduce takeaway food prices for customers. And that means more orders for Deliveroo!

It's an ambitious plan — and if councils scupper Rooboxes at this early stage, then that could curtain an important avenue for Deliveroo's growth.